Membership is an important step in the life of many Christians. Membership at Knox does not elevate your status with God or the congregation, but does show that you support the ministries and mission of the congregation. Membership allows you to vote at congregational meetings, and is necessary for the baptism of children. Once or twice a year, depending upon need, the minister will hold a lunch and learn on the topic of membership following worship.
If you are interested in membership please speak to our minister. revalton @ knoxmidland . ca
For more information please read the following resource from presbyterian.ca
Meaning of Membership
What does it mean to be a member of a congregation within The Presbyterian Church in Canada?
Whether it happens when you are an infant or an adult, the answer to that question begins with baptism – one of the most joyful moments in the life of any congregation. Living Faith, a subordinate standard of our church, states the following about baptism:
“In obedience to our Lord’s command and example, we observe two sacraments, Baptism and Holy Communion. These are visible expressions of the Gospel given as means of entering and sustaining the Christian Life.
“Baptism is a sacrament meant for those who profess their faith and for their children.
“Baptism is an act of discipleship that requires commitment and looks towards growth in Christ.” (Living Faith, 7.5.1, 7.6.3, 7.6.4)
The Book of Common Worship reflects further on the significance of this sacrament:
“Baptism is a gift from God and an initiation into the household of God. In baptism we are united with Christ in his death and resurrection and joined to the body of Christ, the church. It is the beginning of a new life in the world where ethical, social and political decisions are made in the light of our response to God in Christ.
“Baptism is administered, not in isolation, but within the context of a congregation that promises to guide and nurture those baptized as they continue to follow the way of Christ as faithful members of Christ’s church.” (The Book of Common Worship, p. 117 and p. 153)
Membership springs from this holy beginning. The baptism ceremony points to the deep and far-reaching meaning of the sacrament. Those who become members affirm their baptism by professing faith in the Trinity. Through vows, members renounce sin and turn to Jesus Christ, and, in dependence upon the Holy Spirit, express a desire to mature as Christians in the church, seek the guidance of Christ in the Word of God, celebrate Christ’s death and life in the Sacrament of Holy Communion and engage in Christ’s mission to the world.
Membership is a sign of God’s profound grace that reaches out and invites us to be part of the Church. Membership is also a public demonstration of substantial commitment to the Church of Jesus Christ. Whenever an elder or a minister of Word and Sacraments is ordained, the following words are spoken, not just to them, but to the whole body of believers.
“The church is Christ together with his people called both to worship and to serve him in all of life.” (Living Faith 7.1.1)
There are important expectations related to membership. Members are expected to attend worship regularly, support the minister, submit to the care and authority of the session, comply with church law, take a lively interest in the ministry of the congregation and provide for that ministry through generous stewardship. (Book of Forms 139, 141, 155)
There are also important responsibilities related to membership. Members call a minister or approve the sale of church property, for example. In cases like these, a congregation enters into a legally binding contract that requires the approval of their members.
Similarly, members who have publicly declared Christian faith and promised their support for the church, are granted the right and responsibility of serving as elders and electing elders. The eldership is a vital and essential office within The Presbyterian Church in Canada. Women and men are ordained to share with the minister in the leadership, pastoral care and oversight of the whole congregation – both members and adherents. (Living Faith 7.2.4)
The leadership of a community is chosen by the membership of the community. Our congregations not only embrace members but adherents, too. According to recent figures submitted by congregations, there are approximately 88,000 members and 52,000 adherents connected with 840 congregations across Canada.
What is an adherent? The General Assembly adopted definition states that adherents are “… those who associate themselves with a congregation through participation or support without making a formal membership commitment.” (A&P 1989, p. 262)
Congregations are strengthened by adherents who give generously of their time, talent and treasure to the mission and ministry of the church. The whole denomination is blessed by their presence and participation in the life of the church. Nevertheless, it is a significant and wonderful moment when the adherent takes the step of becoming a member.
Although encouraging people to consider membership is often left to the minister, Book of Forms 110 is a reminder that the whole session has the privilege and responsibility of seeking out, preparing and admitting persons to accept the privileges and responsibilities of membership. Making a profession of faith can be an important act of discipleship and a major step in a person’s faith journey. The whole church is enriched when individuals grow in their understanding of Christianity and share more deeply in mission and ministry of Christ’s church.
Meaning of Membership
Don Muir, Associate Secretary, General Assembly Office